Bicycle manufacturing twists through the DNA of many motorcycle brands, such as BSA, Excelsior, Husqvarna and Aprilia. France’s Motoconfort was another although their pedal-powered products look far more graceful — like this classic porteur.

Upholsterer Silvère Maisonneuve lives in Lyon and has a deep appreciation for items that wear the marks of heavy use and age. He was looking for a daily rider when he discovered this well-worn Motoconfort at a flea market in the Loire département.

Back in the 20s, Motoconfort was a commercial rival to Motobécane, one of France’s biggest manufacturers of bikes, mopeds and motorcycles, but in 1930, Motobécane acquired them, yet still manufactured vehicles under its name.

Silvère’s Motoconfort dates from the 50s and most of the components were beyond salvation, but the frame, chain guard, cranks and ring, for those who can appreciate it, were sumptuously covered with the nicks and scars of 60 or 70 years’ worth of riding.

They would have been magnificent in their original condition, but their age has given them a rich aura of history. Silvère gave it a new lease of life with the installation of a coaster hub, new rims and a pair of cream Schwalbe Little Big Ben tyres.

The saddle is original, as is the front porteur rack, but the vintage dynamo light was found at a swap meet. A replacement pair of 9/16 Lyotard pedals were installed, which involved rethreading the cranks.

A new headset was required, as was a shiny new Crane bell — of course. Silvère applied the finishing touches with leather touches like the tag on the rack which announces his 19.10 Studio operation. His Motoconfort is alive again and looking better with age.

Big thanks to Julien Demaugé-Bost for the wonderful photography.

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